Iconic Blue Palm Café closes after 14 years in Marbella

The British café on the town's promenade was popular with local expats and tourists, but is the latest victim of the Covid lockdown

Ash Bolton

Friday, 21 May 2021, 09:43

A popular British café closed its doors for good in Marbella last Friday due to the Covid pandemic.

The Blue Palm Café was run by Ruth and Nigel Stevenson and had been welcoming locals and tourists since it opened 14 years ago.

But due to a lack of customers and a lack of support from the local authorities the owners have decided to sell the lease and retire.

Ruth, 54, who is originally from Hertfordshire, and lives in Cancelada, said: "It's been a great 14 years. We've made a lot of friends, we have some great memories and I'm proud of what we have achieved.

"But it's a Covid-related decision, I've been working seven days a week since last May and earning no money. It's just been so tough."

Ruth added that the business had received no help from local authorities and that their landlord had asked for full rent each month, even when the business was forced to shut.

She continued: "It's the end of an era, but we live in a beautiful country and now we will have time to enjoy it more. But I've been blown away by the comments people have been leaving on our Facebook page. We've been getting emails, cards, presents - it's made me cry."

"I'm 54 and Nigel is 62 now, so it's probably about time we retired."

Ruth now plans to volunteer her time with a number of local charities in the area.

An upmarket Dutch restaurant is now planning to open in the café's location.

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